Leader

Leader is a length of extra film attached to the head or tail of a reel of film or tape to assist the operator in threading up a projector, telecine, or transfer machine. Often, leader may contain written information identifying color information, title or version, episode number, or even a countdown guide indicating how many frames or feet remain before the start of sound or picture. Leader can also be edited into the body of a reel to create physical separation between cues or takes, often referred to as "fill leader."

Leader can be made from used film or tape, or it can be purchased new. New leader can also be made from plastic or paper.

All film assets require leader so that the portions of the element containing picture and/or sound don't get handled while threading into a machine.